Hanmi Pharmaceutical’s New Obesity Drug ‘Efpeglenatide’ Delivers Dramatic Weight Loss Results, Poised to Disrupt Market
Seoul, South Korea – October 27, 2025 – In a potentially game-changing development for the fight against obesity, Hanmi Pharmaceutical today revealed topline results from its Phase 3 clinical trials for ‘efpeglenatide,’ a new obesity drug demonstrating weight reduction of up to 30% in study participants. This breaking news has the potential to reshape the landscape of obesity treatment, offering a new hope for millions struggling with this global health challenge. This is a significant win for Hanmi and a potential boost for the South Korean pharmaceutical industry, signaling a renewed focus on innovative health solutions.
Significant Weight Loss Achieved in Rigorous Clinical Trials
The trials, conducted across multiple university hospitals in Korea, involved 448 obese adults without diabetes. Designed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the research focused on measuring both the rate of weight change and the percentage of participants achieving at least a 5% weight loss. The results were striking. A remarkable 79.42% of participants in the efpeglenatide group lost more than 5% of their body weight, compared to just 14.49% in the placebo group. Further breakdown revealed that nearly half (49.46%) shed over 10% of their weight, and almost 20% (19.86%) experienced a weight loss exceeding 15%.
On average, the efpeglenatide group experienced a -9.75% change in weight from baseline, a substantial contrast to the -0.95% observed in the placebo group. Interestingly, the drug showed particularly strong efficacy in women with a BMI of 30 or less, achieving a weight change rate of -12.20% – the highest observed within any subgroup analyzed.
Beyond Weight Loss: Improved Safety Profile and Cardiovascular Benefits
While efficacy is paramount, safety is equally crucial. Efpeglenatide appears to offer a significant advantage over existing GLP-1 based obesity treatments, which are often associated with unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Hanmi reports that adverse events related to efpeglenatide were found to be significantly lower – “two orders of magnitude” less – than those commonly reported with current market options. This could translate to better patient adherence and a more positive treatment experience.
The benefits extend beyond weight management and tolerability. A large-scale cardiovascular stability study involving approximately 4,000 patients demonstrated that efpeglenatide dramatically improved the risk of major cardiovascular and kidney disease events. This is a critical finding, as obesity is a major risk factor for these serious health conditions. This positions efpeglenatide not just as a weight loss solution, but as a potential preventative measure against life-threatening illnesses.
The Rise of GLP-1 Agonists and the Future of Obesity Treatment
Efpeglenatide joins a growing class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists, which mimic a natural hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar. Drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) have already gained significant traction in the obesity treatment market, but often come with the aforementioned side effects. Hanmi’s drug aims to address these concerns while maintaining – and potentially exceeding – the efficacy of its competitors. The increasing focus on GLP-1 agonists reflects a growing understanding of the biological basis of obesity and a shift towards more targeted, pharmaceutical interventions.
The obesity epidemic continues to be a major public health concern worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, over 650 million adults were obese in 2016, and that number has only continued to rise. Effective and safe treatments like efpeglenatide are desperately needed to combat this growing crisis.
Hanmi Pharmaceutical Sets Sights on 2026 Launch
Hanmi Pharmaceutical CEO Park Jae-hyeon expressed confidence in efpeglenatide’s potential, calling its upcoming release next year “an important milestone” for the company. He also highlighted the company’s broader “HOP Project” pipeline, suggesting further innovative treatments are on the horizon. The successful launch of efpeglenatide is expected to be a key driver of growth for Hanmi Pharmaceutical in the coming years.
With promising clinical data, a potentially improved safety profile, and a clear path to market, efpeglenatide represents a significant step forward in the fight against obesity. Stay tuned to Archyde for continued coverage of this developing story and the latest advancements in medical research. Explore our health and pharmaceutical sections for more in-depth analysis and breaking news.
Reporter Jeong Yong-cheol, ETNews.com
